“Through zealous investigation, our detective began to suspect a large criminal enterprise involved in targeting big-ticket items, usually transported via large trailers, in which the trailer and all of its contents were stolen.”

Police Lieutenant Mike Osina says the crime ring called their activies “shopping.” He continues: “They would drive around and look for a vehicle with a trailer on it. They would sit on it and see if anybody was going to come to it.

“If somebody was going inside to eat, they would steal it. They didn’t care about the vehicles – they wanted to contents of the trailer.”

The evidence collected means that the suspects can be charged with offences carrying heavier punishments than small-time thefts. Prison terms of up to 15 years could be imposed.

Over 200 charges have been laid so far, with further arrests expected.